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I am L. Elizabeth Shelton, GA LPC 008242, and have been fully licensed since 2012, originally in Virginia and since 2015 in Georgia. My theoretical orientation to therapy is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) as I believe it is critical to understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and drive most of the problems people struggle to overcome.
My approach
My orientation to therapy is cognitive behavior and believe that it's important to have a good connection with my clients before diving into what needs to be addressed. Starting in 2009 during my counseling residency, I have participated in training as well as obtained certifications in therapy models, including certification in A-CRA and CT-R as well as trained in TF-CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and CBT. The needs of the individual client direct which strategies will be most beneficial during therapy. Most recently I have become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-I (CCTP-I).
My focus
I have experience working with a wide range of areas/conditions, though most often focus on helping individuals with depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and trauma.
My communication style
I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone. I believe in helping others to recognize and work to minimize self-judgment and self-criticism thus I model being non-judgmental, positive, and affirming in sessions while acknowledging areas that are creating problems in one's life.
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey started in 2003 when I was struggling with which major to pursue. During a faith-based event, I realized that most of my teen and young adult years had been spent helping others and, that as a profession, this was called counseling. From there, I pursued and obtained a Bachelor in Psychology from UNC-Asheville then a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I am passionate about seeing and helping people build a life worth living, to help others find hope and joy in life even when things are not going the way they expected, and this is what has driven me to continue helping people over the past 17 years (starting as a case manager at a Community Service Board in 2006, while pursuing my Master's degree).
My goals for you
Goal setting is one of the most important parts of therapy as our goals drive what we do. Helping people to understand that just wanting to "get better" is not an effective goal as we have no way to measure if or when one is better. I work with individuals to identify what they would be doing when "better," look at the barriers that prevent one from reaching the goals, and develop steps to get to the goal or to address barriers in getting there.
My first session with you
We will talk about what has lead to you seeking counseling at this time, including exploring how current and past struggles are affecting you and your relationships. We will also discuss any past experiences you have had in counseling as well as your expectations for counseling now and how my approach aligns with what goals you are wanting to achieve.
